Washington to Kings Dominion

[PaddyV]

Hello, I'm new to the forums.

 

I'm hopefully going to stay in Washington with family this summer after all the exams are finished and couldn't resist finding some way of getting to Kings Dominion in Doswell.

 

I was just wondering if anyone knew of any public transport or shuttle busses that went from Washington to the park.

 

Thanks

[Fooz]

It is an hour and a half away, so definitely no public transport. You might wanna check greyhound schedules, but I find it unlikely.

[themeparkman25]

Ironic you post this, because I was just looking this up today. There is a bus group called Apexbus that runs between New York and Atlanta with plenty of stops inbetween. They are very low cost considering the distances, and offer what appears to be pretty decent service.

 

Apexbus Website

 

I am planning a trip tentatively from May 9th through the 12th starting in DC and visiting SFA and then heading south to Richmond to visit KD and BGE. All in all, it should be a lot cheaper with the use of this company. Anyone want to come with me to SFA on the 10th, KD on the 11th and/or BGE on the 12th?!

[KDcoasterMAN]

When I first saw this I was expecting some epic idea for a cross country adventure where somebody visits every roller coaster until he got to Kings Dominion.

 

I'm a little tired and my mind is lucid.

[SharkTums]

To the original poster, I'm guessing from your user name and avatar you're not from the US. It's important to note that only the good big cities have a nice mass transit system, and outside of them there's virtually nothing.

 

The buses are not quite like the National Express system in England, they are far more 'scary' and don't always drop off pick up in the best/safest locations.

 

If you can, I would rent a car for a day or two to make the trek down to Kings Dominion.

[ahecht]

The only Apexbus that goes to King's Dominion leaves from New York (and it's part of a three day Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens, Virginia Beach tour). They can get you as far as Richmond, but it's about a 20 mile taxi ride from there ($75-$100 each way).

[pkdcoaster]

Amtrak is an option if driving isn't, the closest Amtrak stop is Ashland (about 8 miles) Cab from Ashland to KD

as far as trains this is your best bet

Train 67 departs Washington DC Union Station daily at 7:30am, get to Ashland at about 9:30am

 

Train 66 departs Ashland at about 6:15pm (this one is usually a little late) but be sure you plan ahead for the cab ride back (allow alot of time)

 

Train 66 is the LAST northbound train of the day.

 

Both trains stop in Alexandria, VA if that is more convenient for you.

 

fares run about $30 (each way) if booked far in advance. not sure what the cab fare would be.

 

JEFF

[KDCOASTERFAN]

Best bet is to rent a car in the DC metro area & then just get on I-95 southbound & take that all the way to the park.

[larrygator]

Amtrak is an option if driving isn't, the closest Amtrak stop is Ashland (about 8 miles) Cab from Ashland to KD

as far as trains this is your best bet

Train 67 departs Washington DC Union Station daily at 7:30am, get to Ashland at about 9:30am

 

Train 66 departs Ashland at about 6:15pm (this one is usually a little late) but be sure you plan ahead for the cab ride back (allow alot of time)

 

Train 66 is the LAST northbound train of the day.

 

Both trains stop in Alexandria, VA if that is more convenient for you.

 

fares run about $30 (each way) if booked far in advance. not sure what the cab fare would be.

 

JEFF

 

Jeff, you beat me to it.

 

I was going to suggest Amtrak from DC to Ashland.

[CoasterLover]

The drive is really quite simple... get on the DC beltway heading south, take the I-95 south exit and travel I-95 south until you get to the park (the exit for the park takes you right into the park's parking lot essentially). If you don't mind driving, it's a VERY easy drive, will allow you MUCH greater flexibility as far as times go, and is probably much cheaper than any other option. Only warning is that traffic on I-95 can get pretty congested during rush hour, so either plan to go on a weekend or leave early (and come back late).

 

On the other hand, there IS public transportation in and around DC to get to Six Flags America... but I'm guessing that's not your first choice (especially w/ I305 recently opening)...

[U2Rox]

Thanks for the info on this thread and thanks for asking.

Now that I have I305 fever I'm planning my trip to Richmond and Williamsburg.

 

I'll be taking a flight from NYC into Richmond, get a rental there and I'm planning on staying in Richmond.

My question: Do you guys recommend getting a hotel in Williamsburg for the days I'm going to Busch Gardens? Or would it be drivable from Richmond to Williamsburg for those days??

Thanks again!!

[downunder]

This info is very useful I am tossing up whether to hit up KD in October. I'm scared of driving in the US, the last time I drove in the US I was barely escaped being arrested (long story) though it was Utah.

[Homeboy23]

^^ Depending on traffic it is a 45 minute to an hour drive from Richmond to Busch Gardens so just decide how much driving you want to do.

[U2Rox]

Thanks for the response on this Homeboy!!

 

I still haven't decided what I'm gonna do. I'll probably end up getting a room around Busch Gardens somewhere, as well as Richmond. Just thinking I'm not sure I want to drive for 45 mins after a long day at the park.

 

Can't wait to Ride I305 and finally get to Busch Gardens Williamsburg!!!

[GCS]

Yeah BGE is an easy 45 min drive down 64 from Richmond. You could stay at a hotel in Mechanicsville (essentially on the east side of Richmond) and that would put you a tiny tiny bit closer towards BGE.

 

I live in Mechanicsville and can routinely get to KD in 20 mins from my house (295 - 95N) and BGE in just under 45 mins (295 - 64E).

 

There are 2 hotels in Mechanicsville right off of 295 (Holiday Inn and a Hampton Inn) plenty of places to eat (ie fast food/chain restaurants etc) and its about 12 mins to the Richmond Airport as well.

 

Might be worth looking into for your stay if you want 1 location for your base of travel. Otherwise stay at a hotel right near each park for the days you are there.

 

Avoid staying in Downtown Richmond as it is hectic, more expensive, and not as convenient traffic wise for your destinations.

 

Greg

 

 

EDIT - Honestly the 45 min drive is not bad at all, pretty easy straight up 64. Just depends on your schedule. If you are spending more than 1 day at BGE then I would say get a hotel near there then stay at a hotel near KD (ie either in Doswell or in Ashland).

[GCS]

This info is very useful I am tossing up whether to hit up KD in October. I'm scared of driving in the US, the last time I drove in the US I was barely escaped being arrested (long story) though it was Utah.

 

 

Ehhh driving in VA is pretty easy and laid back (except the Northern VA/DC area but that's not as bad as big states with big traffic issues).

 

If you are just doing KD just fly into RIC and drive the 30 mins or so to stay at a hotel near KD and you should be all set. If you stay at 1 of the 2 hotels right at KD then you can just walk over to the park and not bother with the car.

 

Greg

Edited April 27, 2010 by GCS

[angryemobeaver]

I thought you meant Washington, the state! If that was the case, it'd be much easier and cheaper to just fly. But from DC, it's probably a pretty short drive.

[redfoot12]

Thanks for the response on this Homeboy!!

 

I still haven't decided what I'm gonna do. I'll probably end up getting a room around Busch Gardens somewhere, as well as Richmond. Just thinking I'm not sure I want to drive for 45 mins after a long day at the park.

 

Can't wait to Ride I305 and finally get to Busch Gardens Williamsburg!!!

 

Rox! I'll drive you to Busch Gardens! You can even sleep on my couch (although I wouldn't recommend this)!

I have a Busch Platinum Pass so we could get Preferred Parking as well.

[U2Rox]

YAY!!!! Rob!!!!!! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!!

I'm really excited and I can't wait to see you!!!!!

 

Thank you also GCS for your response!! You have helped me plan my KD BG experience!!

 

The days seem to be getting shorter and time is moving faster! WooHoo!!!

Summer, U2 and Coasters, I believe the countdown has begun!!!!